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By the Time You Read This (Paperback)

Description

When he discovered that he had only six months to live, thirty-year-old Kevin Bates picked up his pen and wrote The Manual--advice for his five-year-old daughter, Lois, to live by, laugh at, and follow from twelve until thirty. Seven years later, when Lois is given The Manual, she can barely bring herself to read her father's words, the pain of his loss is still so raw. Yet soon Kevin's advice is guiding her through every stage of life from teen angst to career arcs, to knowing when she's at long last met "the one." While The Manual can never be a substitute for having Kevin back, the words left behind become Lois's steady support through all of life's ups and downs, and prove invaluable to unlocking the key to happiness.

About the Author

Lola Jaye was born and raised in London, England, where she still makes her home; she has also lived briefly in Nigeria. By the Time You Read This Lola's first U.S. novel was published by HarperCollins in 2009. Her inspirational essay "Reaching for the Stars: How You Can Make Your Dreams Come True," in which she charted her journey from foster child to author, was released in 2009 as part of the U.K.'s wildly popular Quick Reads program.

Praise For…

“A lovely, exuberant tearjerker of a book, perfect for curling up with on a wet afternoon.” -Lisa Jewell

“A stunning debut.” -Pride, UK

“Filled with useful advice on coping with the ups and downs of life…This is a heartwarming tale of the power of father-daughter love.” -Prima

“A thought-provoking, lovely tale that will make you laugh and cry.” -The Sun, UK

“Curl up and read immediately…a real tearjerker. After reading this, I felt that every parent should write a manual for their kids, a book of good memories or advice. The book is a reflection of the unconditional love parents have for their children.” -The Herald (South Africa)